Acute Pancreatitis Related to a Chemotherapy Drug

Abstract

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis is a rare cause of pancreatitis. We present a case of pancreatitis caused by pazopanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. A 57-year-old male with no risk factors for pancreatitis and a past medical history of renal cell carcinoma who was being treated with pazopanib presented with epigastric pain with radiation to the back. Lipase was elevated to 7,960 units/L. Pazopanib was discontinued on arrival and his lipase levels decreased from 7,960 to 3,380 units/L one day after discontinuation. Abdominal pain resolved and patient tolerated a diet. This case illustrates the importance that medical professionals should be aware of acute pancreatitis as a rare but severe side effect of pazopanib and therefore should monitor and educate their patients accordingly.

Pazopanib-Induced Asymptomatic Necrotizing Pancreatitis Diagnosed on 18F-FDG PET-CT Scan

“…[ 9 10 ] In the event of pancreatitis following TKI administration, treatment should be discontinued promptly and an alternate treatment should be considered. [ 11 ]…”

Redox Regulation of Nrf2 in Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury

“…Chemotherapy remains a central pillar in cancer treatment, yet its effects can extend beyond cancer cells, impacting normal tissues such as the brain [ 1 , 2 ], liver [ 3 , 4 , 5 ], pancreas [ 6 , 7 ], and kidneys [ 8 ]. Platinum-based chemotherapies, particularly cisplatin, can initiate kidney injury, culminating in acute and chronic changes.…”